we have a acquired a free 600 pound protein feeder and are going to start putting out protein.. What brand, type etc do yall use or recommend and is there any alternatives that might work just as good but a little cheaper? thanks

Protein feeding is a long term deal & isn’t cheap, improvement in antler growth takes years. I wouldn’t even think about a protein feeder without a pen surrounding it.The bigger the better, I use 10 - 14 16' x 34” hog panels arranged in a circle.

Best to use whatever brand you can conveniently get, check feed stores that are local or on the way. I use antlermax 20%, because that's what the closest feed stores sell. Lyssy & Eckel 20% is good stuff. Gorman milling / Red chain makes a good 20% deer protein.

our protein feeders are not penned and we do not seem to have trouble with the hogs bothering them. I know some people certainly do though. hogs will go check them out and look for what the deer knocked down, but we have not seen any signs that the hogs are shaking them or anything to get feed out of them.

protein feeding is a plan and a commitment. unless you are going to feed a lot of it with a lot of regularity for an extended period of time it will not do anything significant for your deer. it will serve as an attractant like corn.

the plan is to feed it and feed it regularly and a lot... we have pretty good native deer and genetics as is, but figured it couldn't hurt to try to see if over the next few years of doing some protein and food plots it would up the head gear some..

If you want to try a cheaper alternative I feed All Stock pellets. Works great for me as far as a feed supplement and is priced within a buck or two of corn at the feed store where I get it. Of course it won't have all the additives deer pellets have and 12% protein I believe.

If you want to try a cheaper alternative I feed All Stock pellets. Works great for me as far as a feed supplement and is priced within a buck or two of corn at the feed store where I get it. Of course it won't have all the additives deer pellets have and 12% protein I believe.

If you want to try a cheaper alternative I feed All Stock pellets. Works great for me as far as a feed supplement and is priced within a buck or two of corn at the feed store where I get it. Of course it won't have all the additives deer pellets have and 12% protein I believe.

If you want antler growth and all that good stuff, the book says 16% minimum on protein. When I was feeding I considered 16% as basically a maintenance ration, for growth, body and antler, I would recommend, 18% or 20% max including all the minerals and trace elements deer need. What is good for cattle or sheep is not necessarily good for deer. It's your money though.

edited I typed 29% earlier, don't do it. Anything over 20% is a waste of your money, it will not be digested and leave high protein deer pellets on the ground.

I stopped using protein mixtures about 8 years ago, when I got on a lease in Comanche. Instead, I have been feeding STAMPEDE which is a soy bean/corn mixture made by Micobe Feed in Hamilton. Its use of roasted soybean provides a 16% protein supplement. The best thing about it, it is moisture resistant and doesn't melt in the rain.